Torah Perspective on Smoking: 5 Important Quotes

1. Rabbi Shmuel Halevi Wosner ztz"l wrote a halachic decision, printed at the end of the ten volumes of the responsa "Shevet Halevi": "The immense danger posed by smoking cigarettes... It has been unequivocally proven, beyond doubt, that hundreds of thousands die prematurely due to smoking cigarettes. It is also well known as a major cause of severe lung and heart diseases, among other things... Therefore, it is clear according to halacha that it is absolutely forbidden to begin smoking in youth or at a young age, and it is an obligation according to Torah for parents, teachers, and educators to prevent this."

2. Rabbi Wosner ztz"l further adds: "Anyone who has already accustomed themselves to this bad habit should strive greatly for their future to gradually quit, and it will be good for them."

3. The great sages of Israel in the previous generation strongly opposed smoking, and wrote: "We appeal to our dear and beloved young people of our nation, who are not yet tied to this bad habit that could end very badly, the habit of smoking cigarettes. Please, brothers, do not harm yourselves and your surroundings, and do not become accustomed to it, for our holy Torah is a Torah of life, 'and you shall live by them,' and Hashem desires that everyone preserves their health so we may serve Him. God forbid to make light of health preservation, especially concerning something that doctors consider genuinely harmful. Anyone who can prevent themselves and others from smoking is obligated to do so. And for those who are already accustomed to it, it is their duty to strive in every way possible to quit, and certainly, they should refrain from smoking in public places where others inhale the smoke."

This letter was signed by Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv ztz"l, Rabbi Moshe Shmuel Shapiro ztz"l, Rabbi Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz ztz"l, and may they have a long life, Rabbi Aharon Leib Steinman shlit"a and Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach shlit"a.

4. In the book "Rabbi Yaakov," the biography, path, and deeds of Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetsky ztz"l are documented in part 2, page 318: "When asked whether any of his fellow students from the Slabodka Yeshiva were drafted into the Russian army, despite their many efforts to evade the draft, Rabbi Yaakov replied: 'Only one, the study partner who taught me to smoke!' He clarified his intent by seeing the draft as a punishment for urging him to smoke."

5. Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch shlit"a wrote: "I personally know of a great Rabbi ztz"l who smoked many cigarettes and in his final days fell ill. The doctor said his lungs were completely damaged and he had only about a month to live. He asked for ten people to be brought to him and said to them approximately the following: 'I know that in heaven I will be judged as one who brought about his own death by smoking, even though there is danger in it. But I hope that by repenting and confessing before you and stating that I regret what I did, and by asking you not to, God forbid, follow my example, maybe these words will somewhat rectify my sin.' (Responsa and Rulings, section shna"d, page kl"g)"

In conclusion, let's address the well-known question - Is there any point in quitting after so many cigarettes? The answer is: Yes! Quitting smoking immediately improves health conditions. The more one persists, the better it gets.

Research indicates that the sooner one quits smoking, the lower the risk of developing cancer, stroke, heart attack, and lung diseases. Quitting smoking before any of these diseases develop significantly extends life expectancy. Quitting smoking during an illness increases the chances of recovery and reduces the likelihood of the illness returning in the future. Those who quit smoking before age 35 will almost match the life expectancy of those who never smoked.

Rabbi Dr. Ayal Ungar reminds us that about 75 percent of those who quit smoking do so without medical assistance, and thus it depends solely on us. With a few easy-to-apply tips and advice, he explains how we can quit smoking today: